Hole-thru-laminate mounting supports for photovoltaic modules

ABSTRACT

A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/784,392, filed on May 20, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/179,991, filed May 20, 2009, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

This invention was made with Government support under Contract No.DEFC36-07GO17043 awarded by the United States Department of Energy. TheGovernment has certain rights in this invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention are in the field of photovoltaicsystems and, in particular, hole-thru-laminate mounting supports forphotovoltaic modules.

BACKGROUND

Photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, are well knowndevices for direct conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy.Generally, solar cells are fabricated on a semiconductor wafer orsubstrate using semiconductor processing techniques to form a p-njunction near a surface of the substrate. Solar radiation impinging onthe surface of the substrate creates electron and hole pairs in the bulkof the substrate, which migrate to p-doped and n-doped regions in thesubstrate, thereby generating a voltage differential between the dopedregions. The doped regions are coupled to metal contacts on the solarcell to direct an electrical current from the cell to an externalcircuit coupled thereto. Generally, an array of solar cells, each solarcell interconnected, is mounted on a common or shared platform toprovide a photovoltaic module. A plurality of photovoltaic modules ormodule groups may be electrically coupled to an electrical powerdistribution network, forming a photovoltaic system.

A photovoltaic module may be composed of a photovoltaic laminate.Mounting such a photovoltaic module, e.g. on a roof-top, may bedifficult because the photovoltaic laminate may be relatively large andreadily breakable. A photovoltaic laminate may be mounted by securingthe laminate by its edge with glue or by physical clamping. Suchapproaches may prove expensive and bulky as mounting techniques andapparatuses for mounting photovoltaic modules composed of photovoltaiclaminates. Accordingly, additional improvements are needed in theevolution of photovoltaic laminate mounting technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG 1A illustrates a top-down view of a mounting support for aphotovoltaic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mounting support ofFIG. 1A, taken along the a-a′ axis, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mounting support ofFIG. 1A, taken along the b-b′ axis, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top-down view of a mounting support for aphotovoltaic module, the mounting support including a spacer, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mounting support ofFIG. 2A, taken along the a-a′ axis, the mounting support including aspacer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mounting support ofFIG. 2A, taken along the b-b′ axis, the mounting support including aspacer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mounting support for aphotovoltaic module, the mounting support including a pedestalconsisting essentially of a unitary body, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top-down view of a photovoltaic system including amounting support for a photovoltaic module, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the photovoltaic system ofFIG. 4A, taken along the a-a′ axis, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom-up view of a photovoltaic system includinga mounting support for a photovoltaic module, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the photovoltaic system ofFIG. 5A, taken along the a-a′ axis, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a Flowchart representing a series of operations in amethod for fabricating a photovoltaic system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A hole-thru-laminate mounting support for a photovoltaic module isdescribed herein. In the following description, numerous specificdetails are set forth, such as specific photovoltaic systemarrangements, in order to provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatembodiments of the present invention may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known fabrication operations,such as solar cell lamination operations, are not described in detail inorder to not unnecessarily obscure embodiments of the present invention.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the various embodiments shownin the Figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

Disclosed herein is a mounting support for a photovoltaic module. Themounting support may include a pedestal having a surface adaptable toreceive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate. In oneembodiment, a hole is disposed in the pedestal, the hole adaptable toreceive a bolt or a pin used to couple the pedestal to the flat side ofthe photovoltaic module laminate. Also disclosed herein is aphotovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system may include a plurality ofphotovoltaic module laminates. In one embodiment, the photovoltaicsystem also includes a plurality of pedestals. Each pedestal includes asurface coupled to a flat side of one or more of the photovoltaic modulelaminates and one or more holes disposed in the pedestal. A plurality ofbolts or pins couples each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals to oneor more of the plurality of photovoltaic module laminates, each bolt orpin disposed through one of the plurality of photovoltaic modulelaminates and inside of one of the one or more holes. Also disclosedherein is a method for fabricating a photovoltaic system. The method mayinclude providing a plurality of photovoltaic module laminates. In oneembodiment, a plurality of pedestals is also provided. Each pedestalincludes a surface for coupling to a flat side of one or more of theplurality of photovoltaic module laminates and one or more holesdisposed in the pedestal. Each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals iscoupled to one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic module laminateswith a plurality of bolts or pins, the coupling comprising insertingeach bolt or pin through one of the plurality of photovoltaic modulelaminates and inside of one of the one or more holes.

A mounting support for a photovoltaic module laminate, the mountingsupport including a pedestal, may be useful for optimizing or maximizingthe amount of radiation collectable by a bifacial solar module. Forexample, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, theuse of a mounting support including a pedestal essentially eliminatesthe need to secure the photovoltaic module laminate by its edge,conventional edge-securing otherwise blocking back-side radiationcollection around the edge of the module. Furthermore, such a mountingsupport may be smaller and less expensive than conventional mountingstructures. In accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention, a mounting support for a photovoltaic module laminate, themounting support including a pedestal, does not significantly impede orinterfere with cooling, e.g. by wind or air gradients, of thephotovoltaic module laminate. Such impedance or interference of coolingby conventional mounting supports may lead to reduced efficiency ofenergy conversion by a mounted solar module.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, ahole-thru-laminate approach is enabled by using a pedestal as a mountingsupport for a photovoltaic module laminate. For example, in oneembodiment, a bolt or pin is used to couple the mounting supportdirectly to the photovoltaic module laminate via aligned holes formeddirectly in the pedestal of the mounting support and the photovoltaicmodule laminate. In a specific embodiment, the directhole-through-laminate mounting approach is enabled by bifacialarrangement (e.g. a lower solar cell density and, therefore, space forholes between the cells) of the photovoltaic module laminate. In aparticular example of that embodiment, the mounting support onlyminimally shades the back-side of a bifacial solar cell modulearrangement because already available space between the cells is usedfor holes. However, in another specific embodiment, the directhole-through-laminate mounting approach is not hindered by a higherdensity arrangement, such as a mono-facial solar cell modulearrangement. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,a mounting support for a photovoltaic module laminate, the mountingsupport including a pedestal, is used for mounting a plurality ofphotovoltaic module laminates on a roof-top having less thanapproximately 5 degree tilt. In an embodiment, a conventional thicknessof glass used in a photovoltaic laminate module otherwise required foruse with a conventional mounting system can be reduced because themounting support, including the pedestal, is better able to accommodatephotovoltaic laminate modules with increased fragility.

In an aspect of the present invention, a mounting support for aphotovoltaic module is provided. FIG. 1A illustrates a top-down view ofa mounting support for a photovoltaic module, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a mounting support for a photovoltaic moduleincludes a pedestal 100 having a surface 102 adaptable to receive a flatside of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole 104 is disposed inpedestal 100, hole 104 adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used tocouple pedestal 100 to the flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate.

In an embodiment, pedestal 100 includes a bottom portion detachable froma top portion. For example, FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional viewof the mounting support of FIG. 1A, taken along the a-a′ axis, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1B, pedestal 100 includes a bottom portion 106detachable from a top portion 108. In one embodiment, top portion 108includes hole 104, as depicted in FIG. 1B. In an embodiment, bottomportion 106 includes a second hole 110, as is also depicted in FIG. 1B.In a specific embodiment, second hole 110 is adaptable to receive a boltor a pin used to couple bottom portion 106 of pedestal 100 to a roof orground support system. In another specific embodiment, second hole 110is adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple bottom portion106 of pedestal 100 to a reflective layer.

Referring to both FIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention, both bottom portion 106 and top portion 108 ofpedestal 100 mirror the same dog-bone shape. In one embodiment, topportion 108 includes three or more additional holes 104′, 104″ and 104′″disposed therein, the three or more additional holes 104′, 104″ and104′″ adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couple pedestal 100to a flat side of one or more additional photovoltaic module laminates.In one embodiment, bottom portion 106 also includes three or moreadditional holes disposed therein (additional hole 110′ is shown in FIG.1B), the three or more additional holes adaptable to receive a bolt or apin used to couple pedestal 100 to a roof or ground support system or toone or more reflective layers. By using a top and bottom portion ofpedestal 100 that mirror the same shape, convenience of fabrication maybe realized. For example, in an embodiment, the same fabrication mold isused for producing both bottom portion 106 and top portion 108 ofpedestal 100. In one embodiment, both bottom portion 106 and top portion108 of pedestal 100 are fabricated from the same fabrication mold andare composed of a material such as, but not limited to Noryl® plastic.In an embodiment, not depicted, instead of mirroring the same dog-boneshape, both bottom portion 106 and top portion 108 of pedestal 100mirror the same cross shape.

Bottom portion 106 and top portion 108 of pedestal 100 may be coupledtogether by a process that provides a seemingly unified pedestal forsupporting a photovoltaic module. For example, FIG. 1C illustrates across-sectional view of the mounting support of FIG. 1A, taken along theb-b′ axis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1C, both bottom portion 106 and top portion108 of pedestal 100 include a trench 114 having a hole adaptable toreceive a bolt or a pin 112 used to couple bottom portion 106 and topportion 108. In an embodiment, upon coupling bottom portion 106 and topportion 108, a seemingly unified pedestal 100 is provided for supportinga photovoltaic module, pedestal 100 having a surface 102 adaptable toreceive a flat side of a photovoltaic module laminate.

In an aspect of the present invention, pedestal 100 may further includea spacer to aid in the isolation of a plurality of photovoltaic modulelaminates from each other and to aid in the alignment of the moduleswith respect to each other (e.g. long straight rows). For example, FIG.2A illustrates a top-down view of a mounting support for a photovoltaicmodule, the mounting support including a spacer, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B illustrates across-sectional view of the mounting support of FIG. 2A, taken along thea-a′ axis, the mounting support including a spacer, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C illustrates across-sectional view of the mounting support of FIG. 2A, taken along theb-b′ axis, the mounting support including a spacer, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, a pedestal 200 includes a spacer 220 adaptableto be disposed on, but detachable from, top portion 108 of pedestal 200.In one embodiment, the top surface of spacer 220 is above surface 102 ofpedestal 100, surface 102 adaptable to receive a flat side of aphotovoltaic module laminate. In accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, spacer 220 has a cross-shape, as depicted in FIGS.2A-2C. In an embodiment, spacer 220 couples to top portion 108 ofpedestal 200 by a mechanical fastener, either molded into parts 108 and220, or separate. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used.

In another aspect of the present invention, a pedestal may be composedof a unitary body, as opposed to two mirrored portions. For example,FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mounting support for aphotovoltaic module, the mounting support including a pedestalconsisting essentially of a unitary body, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a pedestal 300 is composed of a unitary body 308.Pedestal 300 includes surfaces 302 adaptable to receive a flat side ofone or more photovoltaic module laminates. Pedestal 300 also includesholes 304 disposed in pedestal 300, holes 304 adaptable to receive abolt or a pin used to couple pedestal 300 to the flat side of the one ormore photovoltaic module laminates. In accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention, unitary body 308 of pedestal 300 is fabricatedfrom a single mold process.

In the case that a unitary arrangement is used for a pedestal in amounting support, the unitary arrangement is not limited to thatconfiguration depicted in and described in association with FIG. 3. Forexample, in an embodiment, a different unitary arrangement is used,depending upon the location of the pedestal in a photovoltaic systemincluding a plurality of pedestals. In one embodiment, a unitary centralpedestal, such as but not limited to the pedestal described in FIG. 3,is used at the intersection of four photovoltaic laminate modules. Inthat embodiment, an edge unitary pedestal is used at the edge of thephotovoltaic system where only two photovoltaic module laminates meet,and a corner unitary pedestal is used at the corner of the photovoltaicsystem where only one photovoltaic module laminate resides.Alternatively, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, a pedestal in a mounting support is composed of two or moreportions separated vertically, as opposed to horizontally like thepedestals described in association with FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C.

In an aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic system includesone or more pedestals, such as those pedestals described above. Forexample, FIG. 4A illustrates a top-down view of a photovoltaic systemincluding a mounting support for a photovoltaic module, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B illustrates across-sectional view of the photovoltaic system of FIG. 4A, taken alongthe a-a′ axis, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a photovoltaic system 400 includes aplurality of photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443.Photovoltaic system 400 also includes a plurality of pedestals (one ofwhich, pedestal 401, is depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B). Each pedestal 401includes a surface 402 coupled to a flat side 499 of one or more of theplurality of photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443. One ormore holes is disposed in pedestal 401 and a plurality of bolts or pins404 couples each pedestal 401 of the plurality of pedestals to one ormore of the plurality of photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and443. Each bolt or pin 404 is disposed through one of the plurality ofphotovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443 and inside of one ofthe one or more holes. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, a hole-thru-laminate approach is used to fabricate aphotovoltaic system.

Photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443 may be composed of avariety of layers used for optimizing solar energy conversion. Forexample, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443 each include a layerof EVA material, a layer with an array of solar cells, a sheet of glass,a J-Box and electrical buses. Referring again to FIG. 4A, the individualsolar cells of photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443 arerepresented by the smaller squares within each of illustratedphotovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443. In one embodiment,each photovoltaic module laminate 440, 441, 442 and 443 is a bifaciallaminate, arranged to accept solar radiation impingent on at least twosides of the laminate, e.g., impinging upon the top-surface and theback-surface of the laminate. In a specific embodiment, eachphotovoltaic module laminate 440, 441, 442 and 443 is a bifaciallaminate having less than approximately 70% solar cell array density.

The holes formed in each photovoltaic module laminate 440, 441, 442 and443 may include a flexible rubber grommet. In an embodiment, inclusionof such a grommet in each hole allows each photovoltaic module laminate440, 441, 442 and 443 to move relative to a supporting pedestal andaccommodates slight changes in the slope of a roof-top on which aphotovoltaic system is mounted. The location of the holes in eachphotovoltaic module laminate 440, 441, 442 and 443 may be selected tooptimize the positioning of supporting pedestals without shortingadjacent solar cells. In an embodiment, each photovoltaic modulelaminate 440, 441, 442 and 443 includes 4 holes, each hole at the cornerof the laminate. In another embodiment, each photovoltaic modulelaminate 440, 441, 442 and 443 includes 4 holes, each hole offset fromthe corners and within the array of solar cells. In another embodiment,the size of each photovoltaic module laminate 440, 441, 442 and 443 isextended without adding additional solar cells, in order to accommodatethe holes.

Each pedestal 401 of the plurality of pedestals may include a bottomportion detachable from a top portion. Referring to FIG. 4B, in anembodiment, pedestal 401 includes a bottom portion 406 detachable from atop portion 408. In an embodiment, top portion 408 includes the one ormore holes described above for pedestal 401. In an embodiment, bottomportion 406 includes an additional one or more holes 410. In a specificembodiment, both bottom portion 406 and top portion 408 of pedestal 401mirror the same dog-bone shape. In that embodiment, top portion 408includes four or more holes disposed therein, the four or more holesadaptable to receive bolts or pins used to couple pedestal 401 to theflat side of photovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443, asdepicted in FIG. 4A. In an alternative embodiment, each pedestal 401 ofthe plurality of pedestals consists essentially of a unitary body.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each pedestal401 of the plurality of pedestals further includes a spacer 420, asdepicted in both FIGS. 4A and 4B. In a specific embodiment, spacer 420is adaptable to be disposed on, but detachable from, top portion 408 ofpedestal 401. In a particular embodiment, the top surface of spacer 420is above surface 402 of pedestal 401, surface 402 of pedestal 401adaptable to receive the flat sides of each of the plurality ofphotovoltaic module laminates 440, 441, 442 and 443. In that embodiment,spacer 420 is adjacent to each of the plurality of photovoltaic modulelaminates 440, 441, 442 and 443, as depicted in FIG. 4A.

In an aspect of the present invention, reflective layers may be includedin a photovoltaic system. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom-upview of a photovoltaic system including a mounting support for aphotovoltaic module, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of thephotovoltaic system of FIG. 5A, taken along the a-a′ axis, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to both FIGS. 5A and 5B, the additional one or more holes 410of bottom portion 406 of pedestal 401 is adaptable to receive a bolt ora pin 510 used to couple bottom portion 406 of pedestal 401 to one ormore reflective layers 550. In one embodiment, bottom portion 406includes four or more holes disposed therein, the four or more holesadaptable to receive bolts or pins 510 used to couple pedestal 401 tofour reflective sheets 550, as depicted in FIG. 5A. However, in analternative embodiment, the additional one or more holes 410 of bottomportion 406 of pedestal 401 is adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin 510used to couple bottom portion 406 of pedestal 401 to a roof or groundsupport system.

In an aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic system may befabricated to include a plurality of photovoltaic module laminates and aplurality of pedestals. For example, FIG. 6 depicts a Flowchart 600representing a series of operations in a method for fabricating aphotovoltaic system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to operation 602 of Flowchart 600, a method for fabricating aphotovoltaic system includes providing a plurality of photovoltaicmodule laminates. In accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, the plurality of photovoltaic module laminates includesphotovoltaic module laminates such as those described in associationwith FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Referring to operation 604 of Flowchart 600, the method includesproviding a plurality of pedestals, each pedestal including a surfacefor coupling to a flat side of one or more of the plurality ofphotovoltaic module laminates. In accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, each pedestal also includes one or more holesdisposed in the pedestal.

In an embodiment, providing each pedestal of the plurality of pedestalsincludes providing a top portion of each pedestal, the top portionincluding the one or more holes. In that embodiment, providing eachpedestal of the plurality of pedestals also includes providing a bottomportion of each pedestal, the bottom portion detachable from the topportion, and the bottom portion including an additional one or moreholes. The top portion is then coupled to the bottom portion.

In a specific embodiment, providing both the bottom portion and the topportion of the pedestal includes providing portions mirroring the samedog-bone shape, the top portion comprising four or more holes disposedtherein. The four or more holes are adaptable to receive bolts or pinsused to couple the pedestal to the flat side of four photovoltaic modulelaminates. Also, in that embodiment, the bottom portion includes four ormore holes disposed therein, the four or more holes adaptable to receivebolts or pins used to couple the pedestal to a roof or ground supportsystem or to up to four reflective sheets.

In another specific embodiment, providing each pedestal of the pluralityof pedestals further includes providing a spacer on, but detachablefrom, the top portion of the pedestal. The top surface of the spacer isabove the surface of the pedestal that is provided for coupling to theflat side of the one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modulelaminates. Additionally, the spacer is adjacent to one or more of theplurality of photovoltaic module laminates. In an alternativeembodiment, providing each pedestal of the plurality of pedestalsincludes providing a pedestal consisting essentially of a unitary body.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the methodfurther includes coupling the bottom portion of each pedestal to areflective layer, the coupling including inserting a bolt or a pinthrough the reflective layer and inside of one of the additional one ormore holes of the bottom portion. However, in an alternative embodiment,the method further includes coupling the bottom portion of each pedestalto a roof or ground support system, the coupling including inserting abolt or a pin in each of the additional one or more holes of the bottomportion.

Referring to operation 606 of Flowchart 600, the method includescoupling each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals to one or more ofthe plurality of photovoltaic module laminates with a plurality of boltsor pins. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, thecoupling includes inserting each bolt or pin through one of theplurality of photovoltaic module laminates and inside of one of the oneor more holes.

Thus, a mounting support for a photovoltaic module has been disclosed.In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mountingsupport includes a pedestal having a surface adaptable to receive a flatside of a photovoltaic module laminate. A hole is disposed in thepedestal, the hole adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin used to couplethe pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic module laminate. Inone embodiment, the pedestal includes a bottom portion detachable from atop portion, the top portion comprising the hole, and the bottom portioncomprising a second hole. In another embodiment, the pedestal iscomposed of a unitary body.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting support for a photovoltaic module,comprising: a pedestal comprising: a surface configured to receive aflat side of a photovoltaic module laminate, and a hole disposed in thesurface of the pedestal, wherein the hole is configured to receive abolt or a pin to pass through the photovoltaic module laminate and tocouple the pedestal to the flat side of the photovoltaic modulelaminate; and a spacer projecting upwardly from the surface of thepedestal to extend along an elongated length of the pedestal, the spacerhaving a periphery that is configured to receive a corner of thephotovoltaic module laminate and a corner of at least one otherphotovoltaic module laminate to isolate the photovoltaic module laminatefrom the at least one other photovoltaic module laminate, wherein theperiphery of the spacer defines a top view shape such that the top viewshape is a cross-shape coupled to a corner of at least two otherphotovoltaic module laminates.
 2. The mounting support for thephotovoltaic module of claim 1, wherein the pedestal consistingessentially of a unitary body that is configured for use at anintersection of four photovoltaic module laminates.
 3. The mountingsupport for the photovoltaic module of claim 1, wherein the spacer iscoupled to the surface of the pedestal.
 4. A photovoltaic system,comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic module laminates; a plurality ofpedestals, each pedestal comprising: a surface configured to receive aflat side of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modulelaminates, one or more holes disposed in the surface of the pedestal,and a spacer projecting upwardly from the surface of the pedestal toextend along an elongated length of the pedestal, the spacer having aperiphery that is configured to receive a corner of the photovoltaicmodule laminate and a corner of at least one other photovoltaic modulelaminate to isolate the photovoltaic module laminate from the at leastone other photovoltaic module laminate; and a plurality of bolts or pinsto couple each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals to one or more ofthe plurality of photovoltaic module laminates, each bolt or pindisposed through one of the plurality of photovoltaic module laminatesand inside of one of the one or more holes, wherein the periphery of thespacer defines a top view shape such that the top view shape is across-shape coupled to a corner of at least two other photovoltaicmodule laminates.
 5. The photovoltaic system of claim 4, each pedestalof the plurality of pedestals comprising: a bottom portion detachablefrom a top portion, the top portion comprising the one or more holes,and the bottom portion comprising an additional one or more holes. 6.The photovoltaic system of claim 5, wherein the additional one or moreholes of the bottom portion is adaptable to receive a bolt or a pin usedto couple the bottom portion of the pedestal to a roof or ground supportsystem.
 7. The photovoltaic system of claim 5, wherein the additionalone or more holes of the bottom portion is adaptable to receive a boltor a pin used to couple the bottom portion of the pedestal to areflective layer.
 8. The photovoltaic system of claim 5, wherein boththe bottom portion and the top portion of the pedestal minor the samedog-bone shape, wherein the top portion comprises four or more holesdisposed therein, the four or more holes adaptable to receive bolts orpins used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of four photovoltaicmodule laminates, and wherein the bottom portion comprises four or moreholes disposed therein, the four or more holes adaptable to receivebolts or pins used to couple the pedestal to a roof or ground supportsystem or to four reflective layers.
 9. The photovoltaic system of claim4, each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals consisting essentially ofa unitary body.
 10. A method for fabricating a photovoltaic system,comprising: providing a plurality of photovoltaic module laminates;providing a plurality of pedestals, each pedestal comprising: a surfaceconfigured to receive a flat side of one or more of the plurality ofphotovoltaic module laminates, one or more holes disposed in the surfaceof the pedestal, and a spacer projecting upwardly from the surface ofthe pedestal to extend along an elongated length of the pedestal, thespacer having a periphery that is configured to receive a corner of thephotovoltaic module laminate and a corner of at least one otherphotovoltaic module laminate to isolate the photovoltaic module laminatefrom the at least one other photovoltaic module laminate; and couplingeach pedestal of the plurality of pedestals to one or more of theplurality of photovoltaic module laminates with a plurality of bolts orpins, the coupling comprising inserting each bolt or pin through one ofthe plurality of photovoltaic module laminates and inside of one of theone or more holes, wherein the periphery of the spacer defines a topview shape such that the top view shape is a cross-shape coupled to acorner of at least two other photovoltaic module laminates.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein providing each pedestal of the plurality ofpedestals comprises: providing a top portion of each pedestal, the topportion comprising the one or more holes; and providing a bottom portionof each pedestal, the bottom portion detachable from the top portion,and the bottom portion comprising an additional one or more holes; andcoupling the top portion to the bottom portion.
 12. The method of claim11, further comprising: coupling the bottom portion of each pedestal toa roof or ground support system, the coupling comprising inserting abolt or a pin in each of the additional one or more holes of the bottomportion.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: coupling thebottom portion of each pedestal to a reflective layer, the couplingcomprising inserting a bolt or a pin through the reflective layer andinside of one of the additional one or more holes of the bottom portion.14. The method of claim 11, wherein providing both the bottom portionand the top portion of the pedestal comprises providing portionsmirroring the same dog-bone shape, the top portion comprising four ormore holes disposed therein, the four or more holes adaptable to receivebolts or pins used to couple the pedestal to the flat side of fourphotovoltaic module laminates, and the bottom portion comprising four ormore holes disposed therein, the four or more holes adaptable to receivebolts or pins used to couple the pedestal to a roof or ground supportsystem or to up to four reflective layers.
 15. The method of claim 10,wherein providing each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals comprisesproviding a pedestal consisting essentially of a unitary body.